Tonight will be a special night at Gehlen Catholic High School as their annual “Kick Out Cancer” night will be a little extra special. SherryJo Wittkop, a Gehlen sophomore who has been dealing with the effects of cancer for over two years, will be suiting up, starting, and scoring the first basket for Gehlen against Harris-Lake Park.
Following her cancer diagnosis, Wittkop made it known that the one thing she wanted was to score one basket in a Gehlen Catholic varsity game. She says after making that wish known, her coaches went to work to make that a possibility.
The opportunity was made with some haste due to the recent revelation that Wittkop’s cancer has returned to her spine with some added intensity. Gehlen Catholic head coach Brandon Schaecher says he is grateful to all parties involved for being willing to make this happen quickly.
Prior to her cancer diagnosis, Wittkop was an active girl. She played many sports with her friends, and the diagnosis took that away from her. She says she is still soaking in the moments watching her friends continue to improve as players.
Coach Schaecher says Wittkop’s presence around the team has been inspiring to everyone who comes in contact with her.
Those relationships have been what keeps Wittkop going through the hard times. She says her inner circle of friends and family motivate her to fight against this horrible disease.
And it has not just been folks immediately around Wittkop that have impacted her. She says the entire Gehlen Catholic community and town of Le Mars have been supportive to her and her family during this tough time.
The moment tonight will bring forth many emotions that will be hard to name and convey right away. Coach Schaecher says the main driver behind it all will be a celebration for what Wittkop has been able to do so far.
As for the current outlook of the new cancer found on Wittkop’s spine, doctors say it could be a tough road ahead. That’s not stopping her from living life to the fullest and showing that competitive spirit against a terrible disease.
Tip-off of Gehlen’s girls game with Harris-Lake Park is set for 6:00 PM. You are encouraged to get there early to be in place for what will be an emotional moment.
